A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portland, Maine vs. Kamloops for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Portland, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

Kamloops

In British Columbia, Canada, Kamloops is perhaps most famous for the large number of tournaments it hosts, everything from the Strauss Canada Cup of Curling, to the World Fly Fishing Championships. It also hosts Skate Canada, Tim Horton's Olympic Qualifying Bike Race, and the World Junior Hockey Championships among others. The city is in the south central part of the province and it sits near the confluence of the two branches of the Thompson River near Kamloops Lake. The city has a population of about 85,000 and it's the largest community in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Portland, Maine?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Portland, Maine is $192, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $81. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Portland, Maine and Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portland, Maine $115
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portland, Maine $230
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Portland, Maine and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Portland, Maine or Kamloops? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Portland, Maine


Hotels in Kamloops


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Portland, Maine Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portland, Maine $34
    Kamloops $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
  • Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165

Is it cheaper to fly into Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Portland, Maine change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Portland, Maine $48
    Kamloops $24
Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $5.81
  • Lunch for Two
    $25
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portland, Maine $39
    Kamloops $13

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Black History Walking Tour: $49
  • 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Hidden Histories Walking Tour: $49
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
  • Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $79
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
  • Casco Bay Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $75
  • Central Coastal Maine Private Day Tour: $250
  • Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $48
  • Donut Tasting Walking Tour in Portland’s Old Port: $48
  • Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour: $70
  • Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Vancouver and Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $6.35
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $6.35
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portland, Maine $24
    Kamloops $6.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland, Maine and Kamloops, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine than you might in Kamloops.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portland, Maine Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine and Kamloops, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Kamloops. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portland, Maine is generally cooler than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 69°F (20°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Portland, Maine is cooler than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Portland, Maine during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kamloops in the winter. The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. In the winter, Portland, Maine is much colder than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland, Maine in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Kamloops. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In April, Portland, Maine is generally much colder than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 43°F (6°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)